Apologies for the late post today, and for the, er- unusual subject matter. Have no fear: Etsy Monday will be back next week, and tomorrow’s Cool Kitchen will go up as usual, but today I’ve got something a little different in store…
For the past four weeks, I’ve been taking an online course by the name of Blogging Your Way. Run by the wonderful Holly Becker of Decor8 and assisted by the multi-talented (and Canadian!) Leslie Shewring of a creative mint, this course is a seven-week informational extravaganza, covering everything from photography and styling to overcoming writers block and setting your blog apart. I’ve been thrilled with the quality of instruction so far, and I’d encourage anyone who takes blogging seriously to give it a go, the next time Holly decides to run this course.
After several weeks of homework which involved soul-searching, list-making and idea-finding, this week’s assignment was a bit different: step away from the computer and make an inspiration board for your blog. I’m used to the theory behind this (I made them all the time in my former, fashion life) but putting a blog to paper is a little different.
I tried to include a bit of everything that my sites cover: delicious food, a beautiful kitchen, great products. I also wanted to inject a little of “me” into the design, and attempted this with a little sketching, sewing (those are vintage floral fabrics on there!) and home decor ideas. There’s even a vintage globe, as a cheeky nod to the one that sits on my kitchen table.
Posted in Inspiration Other on February 8th, 2010 by Ele | 2 comments
Tags: blogging, mood board, personal
One current trend I particularly love for kitchens is the tiled wall. Not a tiled backsplash, not a recessed nook, but a whole tiled wall. Depending on the tile you choose, the look can be bold and impactful or subtle.
These decorative tiles make for an elegant and retro take on the trend, via Apartment Therapy:
For an austere and timeless look, white subway tiles were used in this kitchen from Living etc:
Which do you prefer?
Posted in Kitchens Trends on February 4th, 2010 by Ele | 2 comments
Tags: modern, retro, tile, wall
The work of UK-based ceramacist Virginia Graham is insane, not to mention insanely beautiful. I’m loving the whimsical patchwork feeling and all the happy florals. I’ll definitely be looking out for her at Ceramic Art London 2010 at the end of the month.
The bowls especially kill me- aren’t they lovely? Be sure to check out the rest of Virginia’s work in her inspirational gallery.
Posted in Art Products on February 3rd, 2010 by Ele | 2 comments
Tags: Art, ceramics, floral, patchwork, pottery, tableware
Swedish mag Skona Hem has some pretty cool kitchens on their site right now, and this lovely one particularly stood out to me. Now, I know what you’re all thinking-that I’m getting tiresomely predictable. Ooooh, Ele- it’s white with wood countertops and stainless appliances! Whatever will you throw our way next? But hear me out- this space has a few subtle differences that keep it from being just another white kitchen.
The first thing I noticed was those chairs- we get so used to seeing an old, worn wooden table surrounded by modern chairs, so this simple inversion of the formula looks fresh. You’ll notice that the wood is the exact shade used on the countertops, an old decorator’s trick for mixing styles while keeping things consistent.
A standing unit, whether antique or modern, means that open storage isn’t so open, and helps add character to the room. I think the black really makes the white dishes pop, don’t you think?
I think my favourite feature is the tiled wall. Regular square tiles are arranged like subway tiles for a look that’s one part modern and one part classic.
Ok, I told you they were subtle differences.
Posted in Kitchens on February 2nd, 2010 by Ele | 1 comment so far
Tags: antique, chair, contrast, cool kitchen, Skona Hem, white, wood
Actually, the light here in London is thin and waning right now, but I’m sure somewhere in the world it’s a bright sunny morning, wouldn’t you agree? If you’re not lucky enough to be there, how about checking out these cheerful vintage finds with me, instead?
I love the photo styling of this vintage gold pyrex dish from tinsel and twine:
Adventures in Vintage offers up this fab retro Thermos pitcher:
A cute enamel teapot in a sunny hue, from Sweetshorn Vintage:
funretro’s yellow and chrome step stool would help me reach the upper cupboards and look cute in my kitchen:
For those who really like yellow, Macho Machismo has a 16-piece dinnerware set:
Posted in Etsy on February 1st, 2010 by Ele | Be the first to comment!
Tags: colour, Etsy, gold, mustard, retro, vintage, yellow
Longtime readers will know that my favourite er, not so practical kitchen ideas tend to come from Dezeen. This UK-based online mag covers the architecture, art and design worlds, so their content is an inspiring mix of practical, playful, and plain weird. I’m always on the lookout for kitchen- and food-related items, which pop up from time to time and tend to be pretty cool.
Take this conceptual kitchen, designed to recycle waste as close as possible to where it’s produced. Called Ekocook, it’s been dreamed up by Victor Massip and Laurent Lebot of Faltazi. As well as the usual things you’d expect to find in a kitchen, Ekocook includes an under-sink reservoir for collecting reusable water, a collection of super-organized recycling bins, pendant lights which double as herb pots and even a container of earthworms to turn food waste into compost.
I’m all for reducing waste and recycling more, but even I can’t imagine keeping worms in my kitchen. What do you think?
Posted in Ideas Kitchens Products on January 27th, 2010 by Ele | Be the first to comment!
Tags: Dezeen, eco, kitchen, waste
I was checking out the new sneak peeks on Design*Sponge yesterday when this bright and quirky space jumped out at me. It’s the Brighton, UK home of illustrator Sanna Annuka and her husband, artist/designer Jasper Goodall. While the whole house is packed with personality, it was the kitchen, with its cheerful café furniture and collection of retro cookware, that caught my eye.
All the colour and pattern speak of Sanna’s work as an illustrator, as well as her Finnish heritage. I love the open shelving by the seating area, perfect for displaying all those fun pieces. Still, it’s hardly cutesy; the exposed beam and professional stainless equipment give the space a serious industrial qualityl. All in, I think this place has a wonderful European vibe that’s fun, laid-back and practical, too.
Be sure to check out the rest of this fab home, too.
Posted in Kitchens on January 26th, 2010 by Ele | 1 comment so far
Tags: Brighton, colour, finland, pattern, quirky, retro
To make up for the slow blogging (so far) this year, I’ve got a double treat to share with you today! Lyn Swan is a talented potter living and working out of Sonoma, California. She keeps not one but two Etsy shops; lyn swan for ethereal porcelain pieces, and clayswan for colourful, Fiestaware-inspired pottery.
lyn swan
I love the colour of these mini balloon bowls:
The larger balloon bowl in white is special, too:
What a lovely petite porcelain cup… perfect for an espresso:
Check out this sculptural watering can:
I covet this cheerful green tray. Perfect for cookies or other nibbles:
clayswan
If you’ve been searching for a salt pig, then search no further. I love this bright yellow one:
How perfect is this JUNK vessel for storing pencils and other items?:
I dig the fluidity of this creamer and sugar bowl set:
This teal vase would be lovely with or without flowers:
These two tiny trays are perfect for serving or storing:
Posted in Etsy on January 11th, 2010 by Ele | 2 comments
Tags: colour, colourful, handmade, porcelain, pottery
This beautiful and decidedly feminine space was originally posted on The Kitchn as a Before/After at the start of December. Ashley Ann’s Light and Lovely Remodel grabbed my attention immediately with its bright white cabinets, butcherblock counters and pale blue walls.
But what really makes this space is the details- an art collection on the wall, a creative backsplash made from yardsticks, piles of flowery dishcloths and a collection of vintage globes atop the cabinets. The overall effect is perfection: calming, quirky and completely unique.
Posted in Kitchens on January 5th, 2010 by Ele | 2 comments
Tags: Art, cool kitchen, feminine, light, quirky
Happy New Year! It’s a new week, and new month and a new year, and although I let things around here slide toward the end of December, I’m determined to step up my game in 2010. I’m not in the mood to focus on one shop today; my brain isn’t yet back in “working mode”. Instead, here are ten random, lovely, and covetable kitchen finds from Etsy. Enjoy!
The fantastic shop Brookish has added some new items, including these whimsical Mr. Darcy proposal dish towel:
I also love this Dolphin Tea Towel from niceBreeze:
This pair of Flower Trivets is so pretty, I almost wouldn’t want to put anything on them! From Uncommon Eye:
How’s this for a New Year’s resolution? Beat Batter and Bake Stuff spoof print from Queen’s Spoof:
VintageO’s pair of glazed stoneware bowls is lovely (and I love the photography!):
My Mum has several of these cups, and I never really thought about their charm before now. Vintage tin measuring cup from buppins:
I like this sandwich/snack bag from Country Life Naturals, which is made of a vintage tea towel with a food-safe liner:
CeramicJen has some wonderful items; I especially like her Flying Bird Teabowl:
I love the feeling of this Teapot in Blue print from Studio Lyon- it’s so unique and decorative:
This Colander Pendant Lamp by Purpose ReDesign Studio would be great in an industrial modern kitchen:
Posted in Etsy on January 4th, 2010 by Ele | 1 comment so far
Tags: Art, handmade, Products, vintage
